What is Progesterone?
Progesterone is an important hormone in the female reproductive system. It is produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation, and by the placenta during pregnancy.
Progesterone has several key functions:
- It prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. The uterine lining becomes thickened and enriched with blood vessels during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle under the influence of progesterone. This provides a nourishing environment for an early pregnancy.
- It maintains the pregnancy. Once a fertilized egg implants, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone for about 10 weeks until the placenta takes over production. Progesterone relaxes the uterine smooth muscle to prevent contractions and miscarriage in early pregnancy.
- It suppresses ovulation during pregnancy. High levels of progesterone prevent further ovulation from occurring. This ensures the fetus has proper time to develop without disruption.
- It stimulates milk production in the mammary glands during pregnancy and after delivery. Progesterone levels remain elevated through the end of pregnancy and trigger milk production after the delivery of the placenta.
Some key facts about progesterone:
| Menstrual Cycle Phase |
Progesterone Level |
| Menstruation |
Lowest |
| After Ovulation |
Rises |
| Mid-Luteal Phase |
Peaks |
- Birth control pills contain man-made progesterone. The progesterone in birth control pills helps stabilize the uterine lining and prevents ovulation.
- Progesterone levels decline with age leading up to menopause. This decline can contribute to irregular periods and infertility.
- Natural progesterone creams may help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats during perimenopause and menopause. However, research is still ongoing into their effectiveness.
| Symptom |
Potential Cause |
| Irregular Periods |
Low Progesterone |
| Infertility |
Low Progesterone |
| Premenstrual Syndrome |
Low Progesterone |
If you suspect you may have low progesterone, consider getting your hormone levels tested. The experts at Rejuvenate Clinic can provide advanced hormone testing and customized treatment plans involving bioidentical progesterone to help restore optimal hormonal balance. Their cutting-edge therapies can relieve progesterone deficiency symptoms and support fertility, menopause transition, and overall women's health.
In conclusion, progesterone is a crucial hormone for female reproductive health. It plays vital roles in preparing the uterus for pregnancy, maintaining pregnancy, suppressing ovulation, and stimulating milk production. If you experience symptoms of low progesterone, it's essential to get your hormone levels tested and seek the guidance of experienced professionals, such as those at Rejuvenate Clinic, for personalized treatment options to help restore hormonal balance and optimize your well-being.